Abstract: A lifter with an adjustable wheel base comprising a lever assembly, an adjustable axle assembly, and a lifting assembly. The lifting assembly may be magnetic and may additionally comprise safety cables having other attachment means.

Abstract: Coupled opto-electronic oscillators with a whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) optical resonator inside the laser cavity to produce oscillation signals out of the optical spectral range, e.g., RF or microwave frequencies.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an integrated method and system for managing human resources. Specifically, the method and system integrates several processes (e.g., a process for developing a strategy and particularly for developing a set of rules on how human resources will be managed and sourced, a process for developing a long-term strategic plan for sourcing human resources to satisfy demands, a process for developing a near-term operational plan recommending individual human resources be used to satisfy selected demands, a process for selecting and assigning individual resources to specific engagements, etc.). Thus, the method operates through a spectrum of time horizons from the strategic to real time, providing a coherent and cohesive system for matching supply to demand based on the priorities of the business as represented through the set of rules.

Abstract: A container including a drink cup and a lid containing a media disc. The lid being configured to mate with the brim of the drink cup.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe sole including a cushioning element. The shoe sole can include a heel cup or heel rim having a shape that substantially corresponds to the shape of heel of a foot. Further, the heel part can include a plurality of side walls arranged below the heel cup or rim and at least one tension element that interconnects at least one side wall to another side wall or to the heel cup or rim. The heel cup or rim, the plurality of side walls, and the at least one tension element can be integrally formed as a single piece.

Abstract: A method for unloading a database includes copying a data set in physical sequence from a database to a data space and unloading the data set in hierarchical sequence from the data space.

Abstract: Integrated opto-electronic oscillators that use micro resonators in the optical section of the opto-electronic feedback loop.

Abstract: A computer system (100) and method for the storage, archiving, query and retrieval of information relating to 3D objects is provided. The système includes data acquisition (130) means for requiring point coordinate data about a three-dimensional object, a database component (105), a processor (103) and a user interface (110). The processor (103) is operable to generate modeled data (105) from the point coordinate data and to segment the modeled data (124) into feature data (122) representing a plurality of features of the object (118). The data is organized so that features of the 3D objects can be automatically extracted for online query and retrieval. The processor (103) is operable to store the modeled data (124) and the feature data (122) in the database component (105) and retrieve modeled data (124) and feature data (122) from the database component (105) using search criteria representing oobject features of interest.

Abstract: A near-field radar apparatus includes a fixed beam planar radar antenna and a radiation pattern adaptation device disposed substantially at the near-field boundary of the antenna. The adaptation device comprises a plurality of dielectric elements that individually constitute or approximate different surface portions of an idealized quasi-spherical or quasi-cylindrical radome reflector. The dielectric elements can be maintained physically separate or combined about the diffraction point of the antenna to form a single dielectric element. The dielectric elements may be mounted on a radome that is otherwise transparent to the radiation pattern, or otherwise suspended at or near the near-field boundary of the antenna.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method, system, and storage medium for resolving demand and supply imbalances. The method comprises identifying at least one excess component inventory liability or constraint in supply capability for an end product by matching current buying patterns for the end product against inventory liability and supply capability based on a previous demand forecast. Where excess component inventory liability exists the method refocuses the excess component inventory liability by determining alternative end products that use components identified in the excess component inventory liability; and executes sales activities for enticing sales of the alternative end products. Where constrained supply capability exists, the method determines alternative end products that are functionally equivalent to those identified in the constrained supply capability; and executes sales activities for enticing sales of functionally equivalent alternative end products.

Abstract: Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) reforming converts carbonaceous compounds into a fuel for use in generating electrical power. Energy rich hydrocarbon fuels, such as coal, marine diesel, oils, and hydrocarbon wastes are employed as a feedstock for the ICP, which transforms the feedstock into a fuel that can be used by fuel cells and gas turbines for the production of electricity. The overall efficiency of an ICP-based electrical power system can be increased by providing partial oxidation within the reaction vessel. The partial oxidation conditions consume a small amount of the reformed fuel gas, thereby liberating sufficient thermal energy to reduce the electrical power requirements of the ICP to maintain desired reactor temperatures, and providing an increase in the overall net electrical power production. The integrated power production system can also adjust to meet an increased requirement for process heat and steam by balancing the effect of partial oxidation.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method and storage medium for integrating forecasting and replenishment activities for a networked supply chain including an enterprise and at least one supplier. The method comprises receiving a demand forecast for a first manufacturing cycle from the enterprise, performing a hub inventory assessment, performing a capability assessment, and transmitting a commitment response to the enterprise based upon the demand forecast, the results of the hub inventory assessment, and the results of the capability assessment. The demand forecast is utilized to manage hub inventory for use in a second manufacturing cycle. Other embodiments include a storage medium for implementing the invention.

Abstract: Described is a method and apparatus for producing bi-directional linear polishing that uses a flexible pad. In one aspect, a horizontal drive assembly moves a horizontal slide member that is horizontally moveable over rails attached to a single casting. Openings within the casting exist for the inclusion of the supply spool, the receive spool and the pad path rollers. A drive assembly translates the rotational movement of a motor into the horizontal bi-directional linear movement of the horizontal slide member. With the polishing pad properly locked in position, preferably being attached between a supply spool and the receive spool, horizontal bi-directional linear movement of the horizontal slide member creates a corresponding horizontal bi-directional linear movement of a portion of the polishing pad.

Abstract: A lifter with an adjustable wheel base comprising a lever assembly, an adjustable axle assembly, and a lifting assembly. The lifting assembly may be magnetic and may additionally comprise safety cables having other attachment means.

Abstract: Described is a method and apparatus for producing bi-directional linear polishing that uses a flexible pad. In one aspect, a horizontal drive assembly moves a horizontal slide member that is horizontally moveable over rails attached to a single casting. Openings within the casting exist for the inclusion of the supply spool, the receive spool and the pad path rollers. A drive assembly translates the rotational movement of a motor into the horizontal bi-directional linear movement of the horizontal slide member. With the polishing pad properly locked in position, preferably being attached between a supply spool and the receive spool, horizontal bi-directional linear movement of the horizontal slide member creates a corresponding horizontal bi-directional linear movement of a portion of the polishing pad.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the internal pressure of a sealed container are disclosed.

Abstract: Improved film-forming skin protectant compositions are provided which are capable of forming a long-lasting elastic barrier film when applied to skin; the compositions have particular utility as barrier teat dips, for protecting cows against mastitis, especially during their susceptible non-lactating periods. The compositions include a film-forming component (preferably a mixture of polyether polyurethane and benzoin gum) dispersed in a compatible carrier and further having a minor amount of nitrocellulose incorporated therein in order to increase the time of adherence of the composition to skin, as compared with an otherwise identical composition without nitrocellulose. The compositions may also include a germicide (e.g., chlorhexidine diacetate), and a coloring dye. The most preferred compositions include polyether polyurethane, benzoin gum, a solvent system made up of tetrahydrafuran and a lower alcohol, and chlorhexidine diacetate.

Abstract: An aluminum tank buoyancy compensation system, for use with aluminum tanks having a flat bottom, a diameter and a boot attached at the flat bottom, for offsetting the inherent positive buoyancy of an empty aluminum scuba tank, comprising a weight disk having substantially the same diameter as the tank bottom. The weight disk is inserted into the boot, and the boot is replaced onto the bottom of the tank. The weight disk is trapped between the boot and tank bottom, ballasting the tank sufficiently to compensate for the positive buoyancy of the aluminum tank.

Abstract: A method for preparing and a product made thereby for a bait insecticide composition that is toxic toward fire ants (Solenopsis saevissima v. richterii). Such a composition is comprised of an attractant agent (concord grape extract) mixed with a toxicant (organophosphorous compound) and an enhancing agent (salt). This present invention has the ability to control fire ants while remaining environmentally safe by being inert with regard to most other ants and nearly all other types of insects, rodents and mammals.